THOU PREPAREST A TABLE

I have always loved the “finer things in life.” Perhaps it was because my chief entertainment as a child was reading. Like most little girls, I would imagine myself living the life of a princess in a palace surrounded by all the luxurious furnishings described in the stories. Christmas was the time of year I could come as close to a Fairy Tale as our simple life afforded. There are pictures of me at Christmas proudly displaying a fruit salad with the cherries placed perfectly on the top. I would set the table with our finest melamine plates (later graduated to Corning dishes), fold the paper napkins just right, with a fork and a knife (it was Christmas) at each setting. Even as a little girl, I yearned for fine china, crystal, and linen napkins. They were not only unaffordable but not very practical for a family with 6 active children.

I was privileged to marry a wonderful man and give birth to 2 babies that were “ALL BOY.” Again, no one wanted to eat pizza off china serving platters and Mountain Dew was just as good out of the bottle; who needs crystal goblets. At Christmas, my men were subjected to the finest table I could afford. Instead of hastily torn paper towels, they had to at the least, use “paper” napkins. I will never forget Phil’s eyes as he sipped Mountain Dew out of fragile crystal.

This year, once again, I satisfied the princess hidden deep inside by setting a beautiful table. We dined off of snow white plates atop gold chargers, cranberry cloth napkins and crystal goblets. Prime rib may taste just as good off chinet and it may make more sense to wipe greasy fingers on paper towels but nothing replaces the warm feeling of well being as we gather around an elegant table.As I looked at the pictures I had taken of my handiwork, I was reminded of Psalms 23.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

God has prepared a table for me every day of my life. The blessings He has bestowed upon me are so far above paper plates or even melamine plates, stainless forks and Tupperware cups. I have eaten off china plates, used the finest utensils of pure gold and sipped from delicate crystal. I have the promise of Goodness and Mercy all of my life and a life with Him forever. Truly, My Cup Runneth Over.